We can look back with pride, Govt says

DODOMA: TANZANIA has recorded significant achievements in implementing the concluding Tanzania Development Vision (TDV 2025), driving advances in the economy, social services and industrial growth, thereby strengthening the foundation for human development, national economic stability and inclusive prosperity for all citizens.

The achievements have been anchored on peace, stability and national unity, which enabled effective policy implementation, attracted investment and reinforced social cohesion.

Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo spoke of the achievements yesterday during the launch of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre (JKCC) in Dodoma.

Prof Mkumbo said that since its inception in 2000, Vision 2025 has been instrumental in propelling the country’s socio-economic transformation.

He said it has brought significant changes in livelihoods, economic growth, governance and women’s participation in politics and the economy.

“When launching Vision 2025 in 2000, Tanzania aimed to become a middle-income economy by 2025. The Vision 2025 had several priority areas including modern agriculture, industrialisation, infrastructure and technology,” he said.

Prof Mkumbo said that the country maintained steady economic growth, with GDP growth at an average annual rate of 6.2 per cent between 2002 and 2024.

He said the country attained a lower-middle income country status in 2020, with a per capita income of 1,080 US dollars (about 2.8m/-), representing a 170 per cent increase since 2000. Also, inflation remained controlled and consistently within the single-digit targets, contributing to macroeconomic stability and the population’s ability to meet daily living costs.

Prof Mkumbo said living standards improved significantly, with extreme poverty rates falling from 36 per cent in 2000 to 26 per cent in 2022.

He also said life expectancy rose from 51 years in 2000 to 68 years in 2024 and maternal mortality dropped from 750 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 104 in 2022.

Moreover, access to safe water improved significantly from 32 per cent in rural areas and 55 per cent in urban areas in 2000 to 79.9 per cent and 94 per cent, respectively, in 2024.

Prof Mkumbo said education also saw major progress, with primary school enrolment reaching 98 per cent in 2024 alongside a significant rise in secondary school enrolment.

Furthermore, industrial development spurred growth in exports, which rose from 43.1 million US dollars (about 112.5bn/-) in 2000 to 1.4 billion US dollars (about 3.6tri/-) in 2024.

He also said anti-corruption initiatives were also strengthened, contributing to improved governance.

“Overall, Vision 2025 strengthened the foundations for human development, national prosperity and inclusive growth,” said Prof Mkumbo.

Despite the achievements, Prof Mkumbo acknowledged that some targets were not fully realised, highlighting the need for continued reforms.

He said while the country attained lower middleincome status and improved per capita income, it fell short of the targeted per capita income of 3,000 US dollars (about 7.8m/-).

Also, Prof Mkumbo said economic growth, though commendable, continues to fall short in terms of economic inclusivity and poverty reduction.

He said it has not translated effectively into widespread benefits for all citizens.

He said that large proportion of the population, particularly women, youth and persons with disabilities, remain confined to the informal sector, limiting their economic opportunities.

Moreover, the quality and relevance of education are poorly aligned with the demands of socio-economic transformation.

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He said among the key constraints included the 2008 global financial crisis, political and economic shocks in partner countries, climate change impacts, the Covid-19 pandemic and shifting donor policies.

Also, frequent policy changes, institutional restructuring, limited funding and the absence of a long term guiding framework during the first decade of implementation also undermined progress.